Evaluating Student Paediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioners’ Experiences of a Paediatric Pharmacology Module: In the Context of Reflective Learning

Abstract

An evaluation of the first paediatric pharmacology module at Master’s level was undertaken. The broad aims were: to ascertain whether the participants had achieved the modular learning outcomes; how their pharmacological knowledge base had altered as a result of the module; and whether their professional practice had been influenced subsequent to undertaking the module. The findings of the 12 participants who registered on the module are reported. Three tools were utilized to generate the data for this broadly qualitative study. The findings indicated that reflective thinking at the evaluative level enabled the participants to monitor their professional and personal performance and that their critical thinking skills and confidence had increased. The questionnaire survey had some limitations, but was seen as the only feasible method of achieving a representation as to whether the module had subsequently influenced the professional practice of the participants. The data presented convincing evidence of the relevance of study of a paediatric pharmacology module at Master’s level for the professional and personal development of practitioners.